Immigration, innovation and irony: examining the backlash against Indian technologists
Recent calls by some US political activists to reduce or eliminate the presence of Indian professionals in American workplaces have reignited a long-running debate over immigration, national identity and economic growth. Mark Mitchell, a US pollster who has promoted what he describes as a “de-Indianisation” consultancy, has become a prominent voice in this discourse. His arguments reflect a broader strain of nativism that has surfaced periodically throughout American history, often at mom
Immigration, innovation and irony: examining the backlash against Indian technologists
Recent calls by some US political activists to reduce or eliminate the presence of Indian professionals in American workplaces have reignited a long-running debate over immigration, national identity and economic growth. Mark Mitchell, a US pollster who has promoted what he describes as a “de-Indianisation” consultancy, has become a prominent voice in this discourse. His arguments reflect a broader strain of nativism that has surfaced periodically throughout American history, often at mom
US Embassy delays H-1B visa interviews in India, pushing appointments to 2026
The US Embassy in India has postponed temporary work visa interviews scheduled for mid-December, triggering widespread concern among Indian professionals awaiting H-1B visa processing. The affected interviews have now been rescheduled to March and April 2026, according to communications sent to applicants and legal experts familiar with the matter. The unexpected decision has disrupted travel and employment plans for thousands of workers who rely on timely visa stamping to continue their role
US Embassy delays H-1B visa interviews in India, pushing appointments to 2026
The US Embassy in India has postponed temporary work visa interviews scheduled for mid-December, triggering widespread concern among Indian professionals awaiting H-1B visa processing. The affected interviews have now been rescheduled to March and April 2026, according to communications sent to applicants and legal experts familiar with the matter. The unexpected decision has disrupted travel and employment plans for thousands of workers who rely on timely visa stamping to continue their role
Cognizant Launches 1,000-Seat IT Facility in Visakhapatnam – A Major Boost to Vizag’s IT Growth
Visakhapatnam has taken a significant leap toward becoming a major IT hub with Cognizant officially beginning operations at its new 1,000-seat facility in the Mahati Fintech building at Rushikonda IT Park Hill 2. Industry experts say this marks the beginning of a new growth phase for the city’s technology ecosystem. The development comes months after discussions held in Davos, where Minister Nara Lokesh met Cognizant’s leadership on January 23. The company approved its Visakhapa
Cognizant Launches 1,000-Seat IT Facility in Visakhapatnam – A Major Boost to Vizag’s IT Growth
Visakhapatnam has taken a significant leap toward becoming a major IT hub with Cognizant officially beginning operations at its new 1,000-seat facility in the Mahati Fintech building at Rushikonda IT Park Hill 2. Industry experts say this marks the beginning of a new growth phase for the city’s technology ecosystem. The development comes months after discussions held in Davos, where Minister Nara Lokesh met Cognizant’s leadership on January 23. The company approved its Visakhapa
US proposes five-year social media checks for visa-free foreign travellers
American authorities have unveiled a proposal that would require foreign tourists from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, to provide a five-year record of their social media activity before entering the United States. The measure, introduced by Customs and Border Protection, seeks to significantly expand the personal information collected from travellers who qualify for the visa waiver programme. Forty-two countries currently participate in the programme, which allows short-te
US proposes five-year social media checks for visa-free foreign travellers
American authorities have unveiled a proposal that would require foreign tourists from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, to provide a five-year record of their social media activity before entering the United States. The measure, introduced by Customs and Border Protection, seeks to significantly expand the personal information collected from travellers who qualify for the visa waiver programme. Forty-two countries currently participate in the programme, which allows short-te
US revokes 85,000 visas as Trump administration intensifies security review
The United States government has revoked approximately 85,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, according to a statement shared by the State Department on X. The announcement described the cancellations as part of a sharpened national security agenda endorsed by both the president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The message emphasized that the administration intends to continue its intensified oversight of foreign nationals as part of its broader commitment
US revokes 85,000 visas as Trump administration intensifies security review
The United States government has revoked approximately 85,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, according to a statement shared by the State Department on X. The announcement described the cancellations as part of a sharpened national security agenda endorsed by both the president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The message emphasized that the administration intends to continue its intensified oversight of foreign nationals as part of its broader commitment
US embassy in India issues fresh advisory after visa appointments rescheduled
The United States embassy in India has issued a new advisory urging all visa applicants to strictly adhere to the updated appointment dates communicated through recent rescheduling emails. The mission clarified that individuals who arrive on their previously scheduled dates will not be granted entry into any embassy or consulate facility. The reminder follows a series of appointment modifications across multiple visa categories prompted by internal adjustments to scheduling systems, and aims
US embassy in India issues fresh advisory after visa appointments rescheduled
The United States embassy in India has issued a new advisory urging all visa applicants to strictly adhere to the updated appointment dates communicated through recent rescheduling emails. The mission clarified that individuals who arrive on their previously scheduled dates will not be granted entry into any embassy or consulate facility. The reminder follows a series of appointment modifications across multiple visa categories prompted by internal adjustments to scheduling systems, and aims
OET test: what healthcare workers need to know about this global English exam
The Occupational English Test, widely known as OET, has become one of the most recognised English-language examinations for healthcare professionals aiming to work, study or qualify in English-speaking countries. Designed specifically for the medical and health sectors, the test evaluates candidates on the type of language skills they will need in real clinical environments rather than in general communication. Managed by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust, a collaboration betwee
OET test: what healthcare workers need to know about this global English exam
The Occupational English Test, widely known as OET, has become one of the most recognised English-language examinations for healthcare professionals aiming to work, study or qualify in English-speaking countries. Designed specifically for the medical and health sectors, the test evaluates candidates on the type of language skills they will need in real clinical environments rather than in general communication. Managed by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust, a collaboration betwee
India asks China to ensure safe transit for citizens after airport detention
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm message to China after an Indian national was reportedly singled out and detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai airport. The statement, released on Monday, underscored India’s expectation that its citizens travelling through Chinese airports must not be selectively targeted or subjected to arbitrary detention, and urged Beijing to ensure that international air travel regulations are respected without exception. The incident has intensified di
India asks China to ensure safe transit for citizens after airport detention
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm message to China after an Indian national was reportedly singled out and detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai airport. The statement, released on Monday, underscored India’s expectation that its citizens travelling through Chinese airports must not be selectively targeted or subjected to arbitrary detention, and urged Beijing to ensure that international air travel regulations are respected without exception. The incident has intensified di
Rubio warns global expansion of radical Islamic movements poses rising security threat
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that radical Islamic movements represent a growing and consequential threat not only to the United States but to global security as a whole. Describing these organisations as revolutionary in nature, Rubio said their objectives extend far beyond holding limited territory, and instead involve expanding their influence across regions and cultures. He noted that the ideological framework guiding these groups envisions a broad reach
Rubio warns global expansion of radical Islamic movements poses rising security threat
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that radical Islamic movements represent a growing and consequential threat not only to the United States but to global security as a whole. Describing these organisations as revolutionary in nature, Rubio said their objectives extend far beyond holding limited territory, and instead involve expanding their influence across regions and cultures. He noted that the ideological framework guiding these groups envisions a broad reach
New Delhi and Chennai show significant improvement in US visa appointment timelines
Indian applicants planning travel to the United States for study, employment or tourism are experiencing notable changes in visa wait times, with several US consulates across the country reporting shorter delays. According to the latest data from the US State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times portal, appointment backlogs for student, work and visitor visas now vary widely by location but show meaningful improvement compared with previous months. Applicants are being encouraged to monitor
New Delhi and Chennai show significant improvement in US visa appointment timelines
Indian applicants planning travel to the United States for study, employment or tourism are experiencing notable changes in visa wait times, with several US consulates across the country reporting shorter delays. According to the latest data from the US State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times portal, appointment backlogs for student, work and visitor visas now vary widely by location but show meaningful improvement compared with previous months. Applicants are being encouraged to monitor
US H-1B debate intensifies as Krishnamoorthi pushes expansion plan
The debate over the H-1B visa programme in the United States has sharpened significantly, exposing a deep political divide over the future of skilled immigration. The issue has grown increasingly contentious in recent months, with former president Donald Trump and several Republican leaders intensifying allegations of fraud and misuse within the system. Their claims have focused heavily on Indian applicants, with some prominent voices asserting that a vast majority of submissions from India a
US H-1B debate intensifies as Krishnamoorthi pushes expansion plan
The debate over the H-1B visa programme in the United States has sharpened significantly, exposing a deep political divide over the future of skilled immigration. The issue has grown increasingly contentious in recent months, with former president Donald Trump and several Republican leaders intensifying allegations of fraud and misuse within the system. Their claims have focused heavily on Indian applicants, with some prominent voices asserting that a vast majority of submissions from India a
Texas prepares for new education, health and public safety laws
State lawmakers in Texas are preparing for a significant policy shift as dozens of new laws take effect across December and January, adding to the more than 800 measures already implemented earlier this year. The latest round of legislation, passed during the regular session and the second special session, is set to influence major areas including education, public health, redistricting, immigration enforcement and criminal justice. Each law reflects ongoing political debates in the state and
Texas prepares for new education, health and public safety laws
State lawmakers in Texas are preparing for a significant policy shift as dozens of new laws take effect across December and January, adding to the more than 800 measures already implemented earlier this year. The latest round of legislation, passed during the regular session and the second special session, is set to influence major areas including education, public health, redistricting, immigration enforcement and criminal justice. Each law reflects ongoing political debates in the state and
Fraud claims resurface: could anti-India congresswoman Ilhan Omar face US deportation?
Fresh attention has turned to longstanding allegations against Ilhan Omar, the Minnesota congresswoman and Somalia-born US representative, after online commentators revived claims that she engaged in marriage and immigration fraud more than a decade ago. The accusations, which first surfaced in 2016, centre on her 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom critics allege is her brother. Although no conclusive evidence has ever emerged, the claims regained momentum following recent remarks by
Fraud claims resurface: could anti-India congresswoman Ilhan Omar face US deportation?
Fresh attention has turned to longstanding allegations against Ilhan Omar, the Minnesota congresswoman and Somalia-born US representative, after online commentators revived claims that she engaged in marriage and immigration fraud more than a decade ago. The accusations, which first surfaced in 2016, centre on her 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom critics allege is her brother. Although no conclusive evidence has ever emerged, the claims regained momentum following recent remarks by
US orders sweeping review of Green Cards from 19 nations after Washington attack
Green card interviews in San Diego lead to detentions of foreign-born spouses
Several foreign-born spouses of United States citizens have been detained during routine green card interviews at the San Diego immigration office, according to recent reports. The detentions, which began on November 12, have affected dozens of couples who arrived for scheduled appointments intended to advance the process of obtaining lawful permanent residency. Instead, the interviews ended with federal agents escorting the foreign spouse away, often in handcuffs, on allegations of violating
Green card interviews in San Diego lead to detentions of foreign-born spouses
Several foreign-born spouses of United States citizens have been detained during routine green card interviews at the San Diego immigration office, according to recent reports. The detentions, which began on November 12, have affected dozens of couples who arrived for scheduled appointments intended to advance the process of obtaining lawful permanent residency. Instead, the interviews ended with federal agents escorting the foreign spouse away, often in handcuffs, on allegations of violating
Canada Changes Citizenship Rules: Big Relief For India-Born Families Under New Bill C-3
Canada has taken a major step toward modernising its citizenship laws, offering long-awaited relief to thousands of Indian-origin families living abroad. The newly approved Bill C-3, which amends the Citizenship Act, has received royal assent and is expected to help people who were previously excluded from passing on Canadian citizenship to their foreign-born children. The legislation marks a major shift toward inclusivity and fairness, especially for families who live or work outside the cou
Canada Changes Citizenship Rules: Big Relief For India-Born Families Under New Bill C-3
Canada has taken a major step toward modernising its citizenship laws, offering long-awaited relief to thousands of Indian-origin families living abroad. The newly approved Bill C-3, which amends the Citizenship Act, has received royal assent and is expected to help people who were previously excluded from passing on Canadian citizenship to their foreign-born children. The legislation marks a major shift toward inclusivity and fairness, especially for families who live or work outside the cou
Hyderabad Woman Doctor Dies By Suicide After US Visa Rejection Sparks Deep Depression
A 38-year-old woman doctor from Hyderabad died by suicide inside her flat after experiencing emotional distress over the rejection of her US visa application. The tragic incident came to light on Saturday morning when her domestic help alerted the family after repeated knocks at the door went unanswered. The family broke into the flat only to find her lifeless. A suicide note recovered from the scene reportedly mentioned that she had been battling deep disappointment and depression ever since
Hyderabad Woman Doctor Dies By Suicide After US Visa Rejection Sparks Deep Depression
A 38-year-old woman doctor from Hyderabad died by suicide inside her flat after experiencing emotional distress over the rejection of her US visa application. The tragic incident came to light on Saturday morning when her domestic help alerted the family after repeated knocks at the door went unanswered. The family broke into the flat only to find her lifeless. A suicide note recovered from the scene reportedly mentioned that she had been battling deep disappointment and depression ever since
Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign after clash with Trump over H-1B visa policy
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced that she will resign from the U.S. House of Representatives in January, bringing an abrupt end to her third term. The decision follows a heated public fallout with President Donald Trump, who recently withdrew his endorsement of the Georgia lawmaker after months of rising tensions. Greene, long known as a vocal Trump ally and one of the most prominent figures associated with the MAGA movement, confirmed her departure late Friday, m
Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign after clash with Trump over H-1B visa policy
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced that she will resign from the U.S. House of Representatives in January, bringing an abrupt end to her third term. The decision follows a heated public fallout with President Donald Trump, who recently withdrew his endorsement of the Georgia lawmaker after months of rising tensions. Greene, long known as a vocal Trump ally and one of the most prominent figures associated with the MAGA movement, confirmed her departure late Friday, m
Trump birthright citizenship order faces key decision from Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is preparing for a closed-door conference on Friday to consider whether it will take up a major dispute over President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. The order, issued on the first day of his second term, declares that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily are not entitled to American citizenship. Federal courts across the country have uniformly blocked the order, preventing it from taking effect in any
Trump birthright citizenship order faces key decision from Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is preparing for a closed-door conference on Friday to consider whether it will take up a major dispute over President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. The order, issued on the first day of his second term, declares that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily are not entitled to American citizenship. Federal courts across the country have uniformly blocked the order, preventing it from taking effect in any
Asha Jadeja Motwani claims role in Trump’s H-1B shift as debate intensifies
Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th
Asha Jadeja Motwani claims role in Trump’s H-1B shift as debate intensifies
Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th









